Keysight (Agilent) 8164A Users Guide

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter,

Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, &

Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System

User’s Guide

Notices

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved.

No part of this document may reproduced in (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) w ithout prior a greement and written co nsent from Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH as governed by United States and international copywright laws.

Subject Matter

The material in this document is subject to change without notice.

Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regard

to this printe d material, inc luding, but no t limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Printing History

New editions are complete revisions of the guide reflecting alterations in the func tionality of th e instrume nt. Updates are occasionally made to the guide between editions. The date on the title page changes when an updated guide is published. To find out the current revision of the guide, or to purchase an updated guide, contact your Agilent Technologies representative.

Control Serial Number: Fi rst Edition applies directl y to all instruments.

Certification

Agilent Technologi es Inc. certifie s that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory.

Agilent Technologies further certifies that its cali bration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Sta ndards and Technology, NIST (formerly the United State s National Bu reau of Standa rds, NBS) to the extent allowed by t he Institute s’s calibration fac ility, and to the calibration faci lities of other Interna tional Standard s Organization members.

ISO 9001 Certification

Produced to ISO 9001 international quality system standard as part of our objective of continually increasing customer satisfaction through improved process control.

Fourth Edition: 08164-91011 E0300

First Edition: E0599: May 1999

Second E dition: E1299: December 1999

Third Editio n: E0100: January 2000

Fourth Edit ion: E0300: March 2000

Warranty

This Agilent Technologies instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. D uring the warranty period, Agilent will, at its op tion, either repair or replace produc ts that prov e to be defective.

For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a service faci lity designate d by Agile nt. Buyer sh all prepay shippin g charge s to Agile nt and Agi lent sha ll pay shi pping charges to return the prod uct to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Agilent from another country.

Agilent warrants that its software and firmware designated by Agilent for use with an instrument will execute its programming instruction s when properl y installed on that ins trument. Agile nt does not warrant that the operation of the instrument, software, or firmware will be un interrupted o r error free.

Limitation of Warranty

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.

No other warranty is expressed or implied. Agilent Technologies specifically disclaims th e implied war ranties of M erchantabilit y and Fitness for a Particular Purpose.

Exclusive Remedies

The remedies provided herein are Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

Assistance

Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are available for Agilent Technologies products. For any assistance contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.

2 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Safety Considerations

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of

operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these

precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety

standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent

Technologies Inc. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with

these requirements.

General This is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth

terminal) and has been manufactured and tested according to international safety

standards.

Before operation, you should review the instrument and manual for safety

markings and instructions. You must follow these to ensure safe operation and to

maintain the instrument in safe condition.

Some Agilent 8164A circuits and some Agilent 8166A circuits are powered

whenever the instrument is connected to the AC power source. To disconnect

from the line power, disconnect the power cord either at the rear power inlet or at

the AC line power source (receptacle). One of these must always be accessible. If

the instrument is in a cabinet, it must be disconnected from the line power by the

system’s line power switch.

WARNING To avoid hazardous electrical shock, do not perform electrical tests when there

are signs of shipping damage to any portion of the outer enclosure (covers,

panels, and so on).

Line Power Requirements

The Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter can operate from the single-phase AC

power source that supplies between 100 V and 240 V at a frequency in the range

50 to 60 Hz. The maximum power consumption is 120 VA with all options

installed.

The Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System can operate from any

single-phase AC power source that supplies between 100 V and 240 V at a

frequency in the range from 50 to 60 Hz. The maximum power consumption is

270 VA with all options installed.

The Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multi-Channel System can operate from any

single-phase AC power source that supplies between 100 V and 240 V at a

frequency in the range from 50 to 60 Hz. The maximum power consumption is

450 VA with all options installed.

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

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Line Power Cable

In accordance with international safety standards, the instrument has a three-wire

power cable. When connected to an appropriate AC power receptacle, this cable

earths the instrument cabinet. The type of power cable shipped with each

instrument depends on the country of destination. Please refer to the figure below

for the part numbers of available power cables.

WARNING To avoid the possibility of injury or death, you must observe the following

precautions before switching on the instrument.

If this instrument is to be energized via an autotransformer for voltage reduction,

ensure that the Common terminal connects to the earth pole of the power source.

• Insert the power cable plug only into a socket outlet provided with a protective

earth contact. Do not negate this protective action by the using an extension

cord without a protective conductor.

• Before switching on the instrument, the protective earth terminal of the

instrument must be connected to a protective conductor. You can do this by

using the power cord supplied with the instrument.

• Do not interrupt the protective earth connection intentionally.

The following work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. All local

electrical codes must be strictly observed. If the plug on the cable does not fit the

power outlet, or if the cable is to be attached to a terminal block, cut the cable at

the plug end and rewire it.

The color coding used in the cable depends on the cable supplied. If you are

connecting a new plug, it should meet the local safety requirements and include

the following features:

• Adequate load-carrying capacity (see table of specifications).

• Ground connection.

• Cable clamp.

4 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Operating Environment

WARNING The Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave

Measurement System, and Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multichannel System are

not designed for outdoor use. To prevent potential fire or shock hazard, do not

expose the instrument to rain or other excessive moisture.

Input/Output Signals

CAUTION There are two input BNC connectors: the Remote Interlock Connector and the

Trigger Input, see page 202. These are TTL inputs. A maximum of 5 V can be

applied as an external voltage to either of these input connectors.

There is one output BNC connector: the Trigger Output, see page 202. This is a

TTL output. Do not apply an external voltage to this connector.

Additional Safety Requirements

Operation - Before applying power Comply with the installation section.

Additionally, the following shall be observed:

• Do not remove instrument covers when operating.

• Before the instrument is switched on, all protective earth terminals, extension

cords, auto-transformers and devices connected to it should be connected to a

protective earth via a ground socket. Any interruption of the protective earth

grounding will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in serious

personal injury.

• Whenever it is likely that the protection has been impaired, the instrument

must be made inoperative and be secured against any unintended operation.

• There is no user-replaceable fuse in this instrument. The use of repaired fuses

and the short-circuiting of fuseholders must be avoided.

• Adjustments described in the manual are performed with power supplied to the

instrument while protective covers are removed. Be aware that energy at many

points may, if contacted, result in personal injury.

• Any adjustments, maintenance, and repair of the opened instrument under

voltage should be avoided as much as possible, and when unavoidable, should

be carried out only by a skilled person who is aware of the hazard involved. Do

not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of

rendering first aid and resuscitation is present. Do not replace components with

power cable connected.

• Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.

Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment constitutes a

definite safety hazard.

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• Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the

instrument.

• Be aware that capacitors inside the instrument may still be charged even if the

instrument has been disconnected from its source of supply.

• You MUST return instruments with malfunctioning laser boxes to an Agilent

Technologies Sales/Service Center for repair and calibration.

Safety Symbols

The apparatus will be marked with this symbol when it is necessary for the user to

refer to the instruction manual in order to protect the apparatus against damage.

Caution, risk of electric shock.

Frame or chassis terminal.

Protective conductor terminal.

Hazardous laser radiation.

Magnetic fields may interfere with a pacemaker.

WARNING The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice

or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury

or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated

conditions are fully understood and met.

CAUTION The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure,

practice or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result

in damage to or destruction of part or all of the equipment. Do not proceed

beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and

met.

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Laser Safety Information

Initial Safety Information for Laser Source Modules

Table 1 Standard Laser Source Modules Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81650A Agilent 81651A Agilent 81652A Agilent 81654A

Laser type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength (±15nm) 1310 nm 1550 nm 1550/1625 nm 1310/1550 nm

Max. CW output power* <1 mW <1 mW <1 mW <1 mW Beam waist diameter 9 µm9 µm9 µm9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.10.10.10.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (1998)- International

Max. permissible CW output power - IEC** 8.9 mW 10 mW 10 mW 8.9 mW/10 mW

Laser Class according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (1995) - USA

Max. permissible CW output power - FDA** 2 mW 8.1 mW 8.1 mW 2 mW/8.1 mW

* Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector. ** Max. permissible CW output power is the highest optical power that is permitted within the appropriate laser class.

1111

IIII

FP-Laser InGaAsP

Table 2 High Power Laser Source Modules Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81655A Agilent 81656A Agilent 81657A

Laser Type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength (±15nm) 1310 nm 1550 nm 1310/1550 nm

Max. CW output power* <28 mW <28 mW <28 mW Beam waist diameter 9 µm9 µm9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (1998)- International

Max. permissible CW output power - IEC** 28.5 mW 50 mW 28.5 mW/50 mW

Laser Class according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (1995) - USA

Max. permissible CW output power - FDA** 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW

* Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector. ** Max. permissible CW output power is the highest optical power that is permitted within the appropriate laser class.

3A 3A 3A

IIIb IIIb IIIb

FP-Laser InGaAsP

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Initial Safety Information for Tunable Laser Modules

Table 3 Tunable Laser Modules Laser Safety Information

Agilent 81680A Agilent 81682A Agilent 81640A Agilent 81689A

Laser Type FP-Laser

InGaAsP

Wavelength range 1400-1670 nm 1400-1670 nm 1400-1670 nm 1400-1670 nm

Max. CW output power* <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW <15 mW Beam waist diameter 9 µm9 µm9 µm9 µm

Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (1998)- International

Max. permissible CW output power - IEC** 50 mW 50 mW 50 mW 50 mW

Laser Class according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (1995) - USA

Max. permissible CW output power - FDA** 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW 500 mW

* Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can produce at its output connector. ** Max. permissible CW output power is the highest optical power that is permitted within the appropriate laser class.

3A 3A 3A 3A

IIIb IIIb IIIb IIIb

FP-Laser InGaAsP

Laser Safety Labels - 28 mW Max. CW Output Power

Figure 1 USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A)

8 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Figure 2 Non-USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A)

A sheet of laser safety labels is included with the laser module. You MUST stick

the labels in the local language onto the outside of the instrument, in a position

where they are clearly visible to anyone using the instrument.

Laser Safety Labels - 15 mW Max. CW Output Power

These laser safety warning labels are fixed on the outside of the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System before shipment.

Figure 3 USA Safety Labels (81640A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A)

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

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These laser safety warning labels are fixed on the outside of the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System before shipment.

Figure 4 Non-USA Safety Labels (81640A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A)

A sheet of laser safety labels is included with the laser module. You MUST stick

the labels in the local language onto the outside of the instrument, in a position

where they are clearly visible to anyone using the instrument.

Further Safety Information

WARNING Please pay attention to the following laser safety warnings:

• Under no circumstances look into the end of an optical cable attached to the

optical output when the device is operational. The laser radiation can seriously

damage your eyesight.

• Do not enable the laser when there is no fiber attached to the optical output

connector.

• The laser is enabled by pressing the gray button close to the optical output

connector on the front panel of the module. The laser is on when the green

LED on the front panel of the instrument is lit.

• The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard.

• The laser module has a built-in safety circuitry which will disable the optical

output in the case of a fault condition.

WARNING Refer Servicing only to qualified and authorized personnel.

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The Structure of this Manual

This manual is divided into 3 sections:

• Getting Started

This section gives an introduction to the instrument and aims to make the

instrument familiar to you:

– “Getting Started” on page 29 and

– “Additional Information” on page 53.

• How to Use Modules and Applications

This section gives information on how to control modules from the front panel:

– “Power Measurement” on page 69,

– “Laser Sources” on page 91,

– “Tunable Lasers” on page 101,

– “Return Loss Measurement” on page 131, and

– “Applications” on page 153.

• Additional Information

This section gives the following supporting information of a non-operational

nature:

– “Installation and Maintenance” on page 199,

– “Accessories” on page 223,

– “Specifications” on page 233,

– “Performance Tests” on page 245,

– “Cleaning Instructions” on page 265, and

– “Firmware Upgrades” on page 285.

Conventions used in this Manual

• Hardkeys are indicated by italics, for example, Config, or Channel.

• Softkeys are indicated by normal text enclosed in square brackets, for example,

[Zoom] or [Cancel].

• Parameters are indicated by italics enclosed by square brackets, for example,

[Range Mode], or [MinMax Mode].

• Menu items are indicated by italics enclosed in brackets, for example,

<MinMax>, or <Continuous>.

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12 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

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How to Select a Parameter 46 How to Accept the New Value of a Parameter 46 How to Make a Big Change to a Continuous Parameter 47 How to Make a Small Change to a Continuous Parameter 47 How to Change a Discrete Parameter 48 How to Set All Parameters to Their Default Values 49 If You Make a Mistake 49 If the Parameter Changes to Different Value 49

A Sample Session 50

How to Measure the Power of a Modulated Signal 50

Additional Information 53

Using the System Utilities 55

How to Set the Backlight & Contrast 56

To Set the Contrast 56

To Set the Backlight 56

How to Set the Date & Time 57 How to Set the GPIB Address 58 How to Select the Printer Type 59 How to Lock/Unlock the High-Power Laser Sources 60 How to Change the Password 61 If You Forget Your Password 62 How to Set the Trigger Configuration 62 How to Configure your Foot Pedal 63 How to Get Information About Modules 63 How to Get Information About the Mainframe 65

How to Connect an External Monitor 66

How to Connect a Printer 67

Power Measurement 69

How to Measure Power 71

The Power Value 71

How to Set the Number of Digits 71

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System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

How to Set the Power Unit 71

What are the Power Units ? 72

How to Set the Calibration Offset 73 How to Set the Reference Level 74

How to Input a Reference Level 74

How to Set the Reference Value to the Current Power Value 74

How to Reference Another Power Measurement Channel 75

How to Set the Wavelength 76 How to Remove Electrical Offsets 76 How to Choose the Range Mode 79 How to Set the Range 80

Upper Power Limit and Resolution 83

How to Set the Averaging Time 84 How to Choose the MinMax Mode 84 How to Turn Off MinMax Mode 86 How to Hold the Screen 87 How to Use Triggers 88

How to Trigger Power Measurements 88

How to Use Output Triggering 89

Dual Power Meters - Master and Slave Channels 90

Contents

Laser Sources 91

How to Use Laser Source Modules 93

The Laser Wavelength Value 93

Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Modules 93

How to Enable/Disable Laser Output 94 How to Set Attenuation 95 How to Modulate the Optical Output 95

How to Change Modulation Source 95

How to Disable Modulation 96

How to Use the Internal Modulation 96

How to Set the Frequency of a Modulated Signal 96

How to Set the Modulation Mode 96

How to Increase Linewidth 96

How to Modulate Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Modules 97

How to Use Triggers 98

How to Use Output Triggering 98

Tunable Lasers 101

What is a Tunable Laser ? 103 How to Set the Power 103

How to Set the Output Power of a CW Signal 104

How to Set Output Power 104

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Contents

How to Set the Optical Output 104

How to Set the Optical Output 106

How to Enable the Optical Output 106

How to Set Power and Attenuation 106

What is Excessive Power ? 108 How to Set the Laser to the Dark Position 108 The Analog Output 109

How to Set the BNC Output Line Mode as an Analog Output 110

How to Set the Wavelength 110

Wavelength Range 110 How to Set the Wavelength Directly 111 How to Set a Relative Wavelength 111

How to Change the Output Wavelength 112

How to Set the Base Wavelength 112

How to Change the Frequency Offset 112

How to Perform a Wavelength Sweep 112

What is a Wavelength Sweep ? 112 How to Set the Wavelength Sweep 113

The Sweep Parameters 113

How to Set the Repeat Mode 113

How to Set the Maximum Power for the Sweep Range 114

How to Perform a Sweep 114

How to Execute a Stepped Sweep 114

How to Execute a Continuous Sweep 116

How to Perform a Manual Sweep 118

How to Modulate a Signal 119

How to Use the Internal Modulation 119

How to Set the Output Power of a Modulated Signal 120

How to Set the Frequency of a Modulated Signal 120

How to Set the Modulation Mode 120

How to Use External Modulation 120

External Digital Modulation 120

External Analog Modulation 121

Wavelength Locking 122

External Digital Modulation using Input Trigger Connector 123

How to Increase Linewidth 124

How to Set the Output Power of a Modulated Signal 124

How to Configure the Modulation Output 124

How to Set the BNC Output Line Mode as a Modulation Output 124

How to Set the Modulation Output Mode 125

How to Use Triggers 125

How to Use Input Triggering 125 How to Use Output Triggering 126

How to Use Auxiliary Functions 128

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Automatic Realignment 128 How to Perform a Wavelength Zero 128

Return Loss Measurement 131

Getting Started With Return Loss 133

What is Return Loss ? 133 What is Insertion Loss ? 134 How to Choose a Light Source 134 Taking Calibration Measurements 135

How to Make Return Loss Measurements with the HP 81534A Return Loss Module135

Calibrating a Reference Cable 135

Calibrating the Return Loss Module 137

Measuring the Reflection Reference 138

Measuring the Termination Parameter 139

Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable 139

Calibrating the HP 81534A Return Loss Module using a Reference Cable140

Measuring the Reflection Reference using a Reference Cable 140

Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Reference Cable 141

Measuring the Termination Parameter using a Reference Cable 141

Measuring the Front Panel Delta 142

Measuring the Return Loss 142

Measuring the Insertion Loss 143

Viewing the Calibration Values 143

Contents

A Background to Return Loss Measurement with the HP 81534A145

Measuring the Reflected Power from a Component with Known Reflection Factor145 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Reflection Reference146 Measuring the Power when there are No Reflections 146 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Measurement Cable146 Measuring the Reflections from the DUT 147 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the DUT 147 Calculating the Return Loss of the DUT 148 Calculating the Front Panel Delta 149 Calculating the Insertion Loss of the DUT 151

Applications 153

Working with Application Graphs 155

How to Set Markers 156 How to Zoom In 156 How to Zoom Out 156 To Switch the Grid On/Off 157 How to Use Legends 157

How to Identify Curves 157

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Contents

How to Change the Legend Label 157

How to Select the Samples Display 158 How to Read Curve Values 160

How to Lock Markers to the Curve 161

How to Unlock Markers from the Curve 161

How to Lock/Unlock Markers to Samples 162

The Logging Application 164

How to Set Up a Logging Function 165

Selecting/Deselecting Power Meters 166

Setting Power Meter Parameters 166

Setting Logging Parameter 168

Running a Logging Application 168 Analysing a Logging Application 170

Setting Analysis Parameters 171

Viewing the Statistics for a Power Meter Channel 172

On-Screen Messages 173

The Stability Application 173

How to Set Up a Stability Function 174

Selecting/Deselecting Power Meters 175

Setting Power Meter Parameters 176

Setting Stability Parameter 177

Running a Stability Application 178 Analysing a Stability Application 179

Setting Analysis Parameters 180

Viewing the Statistics for a Power Meter Channel 181

On-Screen Messages 182

The PACT Application 182

What is the PACT ? 182 How to Set Up PACT 183

Selecting a Tunable Laser Module 183

Selecting/Deselecting Power Meters 184

Setting Sweep Parameters 184

How to Measure the Reference 185 How to Perform a Loss Measurement 188 Analysing a PACT Measurement 191 On-Screen Messages 192

The Pmax Curve 193

What is the Pmax Curve ? 193 How to View the Pmax Curve 193

Recording Measurement Results 194

Printing Application Measurement Results 194 Saving Application Measurement Results to Diskette 196

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Installation and Maintenance 199

Safety Considerations 201 Initial Inspection 201

AC Line Power Supply Requirements 202

Line Power Cable 202 Changing the Battery 205 Changing the Fuse 205

Operating and Storage Environment 205

Temperature 206 Humidity 206 Storage and Shipment 206 Instrument Cooling 206

Operating Position 207

Storage Position 208 Carrying the Instrument 209

Contents

Using Modules 210

How to Fit and Remove Modules 210

How to Remove a Front-Loadable Module 210

How to Fit a Front-Loadable Module 211

How to Remove a Back-Loadable Module 211

How to Fit a Back-Loadable Module 213

Adding a Connector Interface 215 Protecting Empty Module Slots 215

Fitting Blind Panels for Front-Loadable Module Slots 215

Fitting a Filler Module for Back-Loadable Module Slots 216

Input and Output Connectors 216

The Remote Interlock (RIL) connector 218

GPIB Interface 219

Cables and Adapters 219 Connector 219

GPIB Logic Levels 220 Claims and Repackaging 220

Return Shipments to Agilent Technologies 221 Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Offices 221

Accessories 223

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8163A 225

Modules 225

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8164A 226

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Contents

Modules 227 Agilent 81645A Filler Module 228 Options 228

Option 003 - Agilent 81682A 228

Option 021 - Agilent 81689A 228

Option 022 - Agilent 81689A 228

Option 071 - All Tunable Laser Source Modules 229

Option 072 - All Tunable Laser Source Modules 229

Instrument and Options - Agilent 8166A 229

Modules 229

HP 8153A Lightwave Multimeter Modules 231 GPIB Cables and Adapters 232

Specifications 233

Agilent 8163A Specifications 235

Ordering Information 235

Agilent 8164A Specifications. 236

Agilent 8166A Specifications 237

Ordering Information 237

Declaration of Conformity 238

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter 238

Supplementary Information 239

Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System 240

Supplementary Information 241

Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System 242

Supplementary Information 243

Performance Tests 245

Equipment Required 247 Test Record 247 Test Failure 248 Instruments Specifications 248

Performance Test Instructions 248

Display/Key Functional Test 249

Testing Hardkeys 249

Testing the Softkeys and the Cursor Key 250

Testing the Softkeys and the Enter Key 250

Testing the the Modify Knob 250

Testing the Number Keys 251

Module Interaction Test 251

Test of the Tunable Laser Module Channel (Slot 0) 252

GPIB Interface Test (Optional) 253

20 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Test Record 255

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter Performance Test 255

Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System Performance Test257

Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System Performance Test261

Cleaning Instructions 265

Safety Precautions 267 Why is it important to clean optical devices ? 267

What do I need for proper cleaning? 268

Standard Cleaning Equipment 268

Dust and shutter caps 268

Isopropyl alcohol 268

Cotton swabs 269

Soft tissues 269

Pipe cleaner 269

Compressed air 270

Additional Cleaning Equipment 270

Microscope with a magnification range about 50X up to 300X 270

Ultrasonic bath 271

Warm water and liquid soap 271

Premoistened cleaning wipes 271

Polymer film 271

Infrared Sensor Card 272

Preserving Connectors 272

Contents

Cleaning Instrument Housings 273

Which Cleaning Procedure should I use ? 273 How to clean connectors 273

How to clean connector adapters 274 How to clean connector interfaces 275

How to clean bare fiber adapters 276 How to clean lenses 276

How to clean instruments with a fixed connector interface277 How to clean instruments with an optical glass plate 278

How to clean instruments with a physical contact interface278

How to clean instruments with a recessed lens interface279 How to clean optical devices which are sensitive to mechanical stress and pressure279

How to clean metal filters or attenuator gratings 280 Additional Cleaning Information 281

How to clean bare fiber ends 281 How to clean large area lenses and mirrors 281

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Contents

Other Cleaning Hints 282

Firmware Upgrades 285

Firmware Upgrade Process 287

How to Get a Firmware Upgrade 287

Receive a Support Disk with New Modules 287

Download Firmware Upgrade from Internet 287

How to Upgrade Firmware 288

How to Upgrade Firmware from the Internet 288

How to Upgrade Firmware from CD-ROM 288

Agilent 8163A Firmware Upgrade Procedure 289

Agilent 8164A Firmware Upgrade Procedure 289

Agilent 81640A/80A/82A Firmware Upgrade Procedure 290

Agilent 8166A Firmware Upgrade Procedure 291

Index 293

22 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Figures

Figure 1 USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A) . . . . . . . 8

Figure 2 Non-USA Safety Labels (81655A, 81656A, 81657A) . . . . . . 9

Figure 3 USA Safety Labels (81640A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A) . . . . . 9

Figure 4 Non-USA Safety Labels (81640A, 81680A, 81682A, 81689A) . . . . 10

Figure 5 The Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter Mainframe. . . . . . 31

Figure 6 The Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System Mainframe . . . 32 Figure 7 The Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System Mainframe . . . 33 Figure 8 The Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System User Interface . . 34

Figure 9 The Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter User Interface . . . . . 35

Figure 10 The Agilent 8163A’s Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . 37

Figure 11 The Agilent 8164A’s Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . 38

Figure 12 The Agilent 8166A’s Overview Screen . . . . . . . . . 38

Figure 13 The Cursor Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Figure 14 The Modify Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Figure 15 The Agilent 8163A’s Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel . . . 40 Figure 16 The Agilent 8164A’s Details Screen for a Tunable Laser Channel . . . 41 Figure 17 The Agilent 8166A’s Details Screen for a Power Sensor Channel . . . 41

Figure 18 The Agilent 8163A/6A Menu for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . . 42

Figure 19 The Agilent 8164A Menu for a Power Sensor Channel . . . . . 42

Figure 20 The Agilent 8163A System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . 43

Figure 21 The Agilent 8164A System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . 43

Figure 22 The Agilent 8164A Help Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Figure 23 The Agilent 8164A Help Index . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Figure 24 The Applications Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Figure 25 The First Digit Before the Decimal Point is Highlighted First . . . . 47

Figure 26 Averaging Time Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Figure 27 Connecting the Instrument for the Sample Session . . . . . . 51

Figure 28 The Agilent 8163A/6A System Configuration Menu . . . . . . 55

Figure 29 The Agilent 8164A System Configuration Menu . . . . . . . 55

Figure 30 Entering a Contrast Value . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Figure 31 Entering a Backlight Value . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Figure 32 Editing the Date and the Time . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Figure 33 Entering a GPIB Address . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Figure 34 Selecting a Printer Type . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Figure 35 Unlocking the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Figure 36 Changing the Triggering Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Figure 37 Enabling/Disabling the Foot Pedal . . . . . . . . . . 63

Figure 38 Slots with Installed Modules . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Figure 39 Viewing Information About a Module . . . . . . . . . 64

Figure 40 Viewing Information About the Mainframe . . . . . . . . 65

Figure 41 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System . . . 66

Figure 42 The Number of Digits Menu . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Figure 43 Selecting the Power Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Figure 44 Referencing Another Channel . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Figure 45 Module Channels that are Settling . . . . . . . . . . 77

Figure 46 Zeroing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Figure 47 Zeroing Fails, if the Power Meter Receives Input Light. . . . . . 79

Figure 48 Auto-Range Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Figures

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

23

Figures

Figure 49 Manual Range Mode - Within Range . . . . . . . . . 81

Figure 50 Out of Range - Power Greater Than Upper Power Limit . . . . . 81

Figure 51 Out of Range - Power Less Than Resolution . . . . . . . . 82

Figure 52 Range Value Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Figure 53 Measurements with Tavg £ 1 second . . . . . . . . . 84

Figure 54 The Window and Refresh Modes . . . . . . . . . . 85

Figure 55 MinMax Mode Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Figure 56 Power Module Channel is Held - Overview Screen . . . . . . 87

Figure 57 Power Module Channel is Held - Details Screen . . . . . . . 87

Figure 58 Input Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Figure 59 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Figure 60 Menu of Parameters for a Fixed Wavelength Laser Source . . . . 93

Figure 61 Dual-Wavelength Laser Source Outputs Both Wavelengths . . . . 94

Figure 62 The Power Sensor Details Screen . . . . . . . . . . 95

Figure 63 The Modulated Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Figure 64 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Figure 65 Setting High Power parameters . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Figure 66 Setting Low SSE parameter . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Figure 67 Setting Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Figure 68 Excessive Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Figure 69 Output Power and the Analog Output in <Manual Att.> Mode . . . . 109

Figure 70 Specified and Permitted Wavelength Range . . . . . . . . 110

Figure 71 Setting a Relative Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Figure 72 The Parameters for a Stepped Wavelength Sweep . . . . . . 113

Figure 73 Repeat Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Figure 74 Executing a Stepped Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Figure 75 Pausing a Stepped Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Figure 76 Performing a Manual Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Figure 77 The Modulated Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Figure 78 External Digital Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Figure 79 External Analog Modulation and Output Power . . . . . . . 122

Figure 80 Wavelength Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Figure 81 Input Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Figure 82 Output Trigger Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Figure 83 Realign Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Figure 84 l Zeroing Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Figure 85 Return Loss Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Figure 86 The Contents of the HP 81534A Return Loss Modules . . . . . 135

Figure 87 Return Loss Measurement Setup . . . . . . . . . . 136

Figure 88 Agilent 81634A Details Screen . . . . . . . . . . 137

Figure 89 Measuring the Reflection Reference. . . . . . . . . . 138

Figure 90 Measuring the Reflection Reference. . . . . . . . . . 138

Figure 91 Measuring the Reflection Reference. . . . . . . . . . 139

Figure 92 Measuring the Termination Parameter . . . . . . . . . 139

Figure 93 Measuring the Return Loss of the Reference Cable . . . . . . 140

Figure 94 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the Reference Cable . . . 141

Figure 95 Measuring the Termination Parameter . . . . . . . . . 141

Figure 96 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the Measurement Cable . . 142 Figure 97 Measuring the Return Loss of the DUT (in this example: a Connector Pair) . 142 Figure 98 Measuring the Power Transmitted through the DUT (a Connector Pair). . 143

Figure 99 The Calibration Parameters Screen . . . . . . . . . . 144

Figure 100 Measuring the Power from a Component with Known Reflection Factor . 145 Figure 101 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Reflection Reference . . 146

Figure 102 Measuring the Power with the Connector Terminated. . . . . . 146

Figure 103 Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Measurement Cable . . 147

24 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Figures

Figure 104 Measuring the Reflections from the Device Under Test . . . . . 147

Figure 105 Measuring the Reflections from the Device Under Test . . . . . 147

Figure 106 Generalization of a Return Loss Measurement . . . . . . . 148

Figure 107 Generalization of Transmission Measurement. . . . . . . . 150

Figure 108 The Application Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Figure 109 The Graph Legend Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Figure 110 Samples Display - <Line> . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Figure 111 Samples Display - <Samples> . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Figure 112 Samples Display - <Samples & Line> . . . . . . . . . 160

Figure 113 The Lock to Curve Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Figure 114 Lock to Samples On . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Figure 115 Lock to Samples Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Figure 116 Example Logging Application . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Figure 117 The Application Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Figure 118 The Agilent 8164A Logging Setup Screen . . . . . . . . 165

Figure 119 The Agilent 8163A Logging Modules Setup Screen . . . . . . 166

Figure 120 The Agilent 8163A Logging Parameter Setup Screen . . . . . . 167

Figure 121 The Logging Measurement Screen - Measurement Running . . . . 169

Figure 122 The Logging Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed . . . . 170

Figure 123 The Agilent 8164A Logging Analysis Screen . . . . . . . . 171

Figure 124 The Agilent 8163A Logging Analysis Screen - First Screen . . . . 171

Figure 125 The Agilent 8163A Logging Analysis Screen - Second Screen . . . . 172

Figure 126 Example Stability Application . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Figure 127 The Agilent 8164A Stability Setup Screen . . . . . . . . 175

Figure 128 The Agilent 8163A Stability Module Setup Screen . . . . . . 175

Figure 129 The Agilent 8163A Stability Parameter Setup Screen . . . . . . 176

Figure 130 The Stability Measurement Screen - Measurement Running . . . . 178

Figure 131 The Stability Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed . . . . 179

Figure 132 The Agilent 8164A Stability Analysis Screen . . . . . . . . 180

Figure 133 The Agilent 8163A Stability Analysis Screen - First Screen . . . . 180

Figure 134 The Agilent 8163A Stability Analysis Screen - Second Screen . . . . 181

Figure 135 The PACT Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Figure 136 PACT Reference Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Figure 137 Connection Prompt Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Figure 138 PACT Reference Measurement Finished Box . . . . . . . . 188

Figure 139 PACT Measurement Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Figure 140 Low Dynamic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Figure 141 High Dynamic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Figure 142 The PACT Measurement Screen - Measurement Completed . . . . 191

Figure 143 The PACT Analysis Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Figure 144 The Pmax Curve Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Figure 145 The Printing in Progress Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Figure 146 Printed Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Figure 147 The File Name Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Figure 148 Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System Power Key . . . . 202

Figure 149 Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System Power Key . . . . 203

Figure 150 Line Power Cables – Plug Identification . . . . . . . . . 203

Figure 151 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8163A . . . . . . 204

Figure 152 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8164A . . . . . . 204

Figure 153 AC Power Requirement Markings - Agilent 8166A . . . . . . 205

Figure 154 Correct Operating Position of the 8163A . . . . . . . . . 207

Figure 155 Correct Operating Position of the Agilent 8164A . . . . . . . 207

Figure 156 Correct Operating Position of the Agilent 8166A . . . . . . . 208

Figure 157 Storing the Agilent 8164A on its Back Legs. . . . . . . . . 209

Figure 158 Carry the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System using this Strap . 209

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

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Figures

Figure 159 How to Remove a Front-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . 210

Figure 160 How to Insert a Front-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . . 211

Figure 161 Back Panel of Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System . . . 212

Figure 162 Side View of a Back-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . . 212

Figure 163 Removing a Back-Loadable Module from the Agilent 8164A . . . . 213

Figure 164 Fitting a Back-Loadable Module . . . . . . . . . . 214

Figure 165 Adding a Connector Interface . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Figure 166 Fitting a Blind Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Figure 167 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter System . . . 217 Figure 168 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System . . . 217 Figure 169 Rear Panel of the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System . . . 218

Figure 170 GPIB Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Figure 171 Mainframe Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Figure 172 Firmware Upgrade Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . 288

26 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Tables

Table 1 Upper Power Limits and Resolution for Various Power Ranges. . . . 83

Table 2 Parameters that can only be set using the master channel . . . . . 90

Table 3 High Return-Loss Patchcords . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Table 4 Logging Application On-Screen Messages . . . . . . . . 173

Table 5 Stability Application On-Screen Messages . . . . . . . . 182

Table 6 PACT Application On-Screen Messages . . . . . . . . . 192

Table 7 Specified Temperature Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Table 8 Equipment Required for Performance Tests . . . . . . . . 247

Table 9 Reference Wavelength and Power Settings . . . . . . . . 252

Table 10 Cleaning Instructions for Modules . . . . . . . . . . 266

Tab le s

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

27

Tab le s

28 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Getting Started

Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

29

Getting Started

This chapter introduces the features of the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter,

the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A

Lightwave Multichannel System. Here you will find a quick description of the

instrument, how to use the user interface and how to perform a simple sample

session.

The central element of the instrument is the Agilent 8163A Lightwave

Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, and the

Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System mainframes. You customize the

instrument using plug-in modules and changeable fiber-connector interfaces. You

can use this instrument as a tunable laser source and also to take associated

measurements.

30 Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement

System, & Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System, Fourth Edition

Keysight (Agilent) 8164A Users Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety Considerations

Line Power Requirements

Line Power Cable

Operating Environment

Input/Output Signals

Additional Safety Requirements

Safety Symbols

Laser Safety Information

Initial Safety Information for Laser Source Modules

Initial Safety Information for Tunable Laser Modules

Laser Safety Labels - 28 mW Max. CW Output Power

Laser Safety Labels - 15 mW Max. CW Output Power

Further Safety Information

The Structure of this Manual

Conventions used in this Manual

Contents

Figures

Tables

Getting Started